OSCE ODIHR MISSION NOTED THAT "LEVON TER-PETROSIAN FREQUENTLY DIRECTED DEROGATORY COMMENTS AT THE AUTHORITIES"

Mediamax
February 14, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The OSCE ODIHR Observation Mission noted that
"unlike other candidates, Levon Ter-Petrosian frequently directed
derogatory comments at the authorities".

Mediamax reports that this is said in the second interim report of
the OSCE ODIHR Observation Mission, issued on February 13. The given
report concerns the period between January 27 and February 9.

"The campaign rhetoric has at times been acrimonious. Eight candidates
held campaign rallies. Most passed off peacefully, but unrest occurred
at two of Levon Ter-Petrosian’s events. The OSCE/ODIHR EOM is aware of
five incidents in which party or candidate premises have been damaged",
the document reads.

"The serving Prime Minister, Serzh Sarkisian, is actively campaigning.

In the regions, OSCE/ODIHR observers reported difficulties in
distinguishing accurately between Serzh Sarkisian’s campaign and the
work of local self-government, partly because some mayors are actively
campaigning for Mr. Sarkisian", the report notes.

The document states that "another case relates to an unsanctioned
motorcade by Levon Ter-Petrosian’s supporters on 28 January in Yerevan.

A criminal case was filed under Article 258 of the Criminal Code
(concerning ‘intentionally violating the public order’) and Article
316 of ‘using violence against a State authority’".

OSCE ODIHR Observers noted that "during a campaign rally on 3 February
candidate Arthur Baghdasarian alleged that he had recently received
death threats. He did not specify who had made the threat. The Head
of the National Security Service formally offered Mr. Baghdasarian
protection, which he accepted. A criminal investigation was instigated
regarding the allegation", the document reads.

The OSCE ODIHR Mission informed on the results of the Media monitoring
in Armenia, realized by it.

"On most of the media, the candidates’ total coverage time was
more equitable than in the previous reporting period. However, the
coverage of Levon Ter-Petrosian in various broadcast media contained
many critical remarks, while the other eight candidates were presented
in a generally positive or neutral manner", the report reads.